Deuli House, Lamu Island
Deuli House offers charming, comfortable rental accommodation in a traditional-style Lamu Island house in Shela,
within easy strolling distance of beaches. Perfect for couples, families or large groups.
5 Suite House available from £650 per night, sleeping up to 14. Individual suites from £90 per night.
Located in the ancient Swahili village of Shela on Lamu Island's south east coast, Deuli House (pronounced Dow-u-ley) is hidden in sand dunes next to the old 16th century Deuli Mosque. It's a delightful, peaceful retreat for friends or families that's very private and surrounded by gardens and palms, and just a 2 minute stroll from the nearest beach - which is 12km long! The owners, one of whom is an architect, built the house 20 years ago in traditional Lamu Island style, making the most of the island's cooling sea breezes with thatched roofs, balconies and terraces, white washed walls, carved wooden doors, traditional fabrics and a large central atrium.
Accommodation
Deuli House comprises of 4 private suites, each with a super-king-size bed and en-suite bathroom, and its own balcony furnished with comfortable seating, overlooking mature gardens. The suites are very spacious, ranging in size from 650 sq.ft (60 sq.m) to 710 sq.ft (66 sq.m), and all are light, airy and very comfortable. In addition, housed on the top floor, there's a fabulous 1,400 sq.ft (130 sq.m) apartment with a roof-top terrace with panoramic island and sea views. On the ground floor, there's an atrium, large sitting room, dining room, cloakroom and kitchen. See Accommodation Gallery & Prices
Grounds
The house is surrounded by mature gardens of about half an acre, filled with palms, fruit trees, shrubs, ferns and colourful flowers. It's home to a couple of sleepy tortoises and cheeky neighbourhood monkeys are regular visitors as they love to try and steal fruit from the trees, particularly mangoes. The garden is also regularly visited by numerous birds, including Carmine Bee Eaters, Humming Birds, Finches of all shapes and sizes and several varieties of King Fishers. There's a large shaded porch, furnished with a couple of traditional Lamu day beds and assorted comfortable seating and, out in the garden, a hammock slung in a peaceful spot.
Activities & Services
Activities such as sightseeing, sailing, sunset cruises, picnics on neighbouring islands, fishing, swimming with dolphins and tours of Lamu 'old town' with our certificated guide (who speaks English, Swahili and a little Italian) can easily be arranged. Deuli House has a long standing team of friendly, experienced staff, including House Manager, Cook, House Boy and Night Watchman.
Rental Includes
Deuli House comes with a House Manager with 20 years experience and is your main point of contact for any issues during your stay. There's also a superb cook who trained at an Italian hotel for 3 years and he will prepare any and all meals you request (cost of food and beverages not included). The House Boys are responsible for keeping the house clean and tidy, room service and table service. Plus there's a Night Watchman. Please take a look at some Testimonials from our guests about the team.
Guests enjoy good quality complimentary wifi, complimentary laundry service, and are provided with beach essentials, such as beach towels, sun-shade umbrella, beach blanket, and snorkelling gear.
Deuli House also has its own boat and experienced captain who can take you for excursions, BBQ picnics on sand banks, fishing trips etc., priced at £30 per day plus petrol.
Neighbourhood
Deuli House is in the village of Shela on the island's south east coast, about 2 miles south of Lamu town, and is home to the most spectacular beaches on Lamu Island. The look of the area is much more in keeping with the imagined East African coastline, with its almost pure white sand, traditional dhows, and clean appearance. It makes a sharp contrast to Lamu town which lacks a beach and functions as a relatively busy port. However, it's uniquely special and has been disignated as a UNESCO World Heritage site as it's Africa's oldest Swahili settlement, built in coral stone and mangrove timber. It features inner courtyards, verandas, and elaborate wooden doors and there's much to see and enjoy here. Including numerous shops, mosques and eateries.
Weather & Seasons
The Lamu archipelago is generally hot and humid, with average temperatures of 28°C, rising to about 35°C around March. June and July can be quite windy and the long rains come late March to May, whilst the short rains occur in October and November. Christmas and New Year are generally considered the peak season and the weather is lovely, with constant sunshine and gentle off shore breezes.
Getting Here
8 hour 30 minute direct flight from London (and many other European cities) to Nairobi, followed by a 90 minute flight to Lamu. There are three daily flights between Nairobi and Lamu. We'll meet you at Lamu airport and transfer you to Deuli House by boat (approx 10 minutes).
Deuli House, Shela, Lamu County, Kenya.
Booking
If you would like to ask any questions, check availability or book a stay at Deuli House please call +254 707 905 748 or complete the simple email form below.